Finance and Investing

Bester Neobroker Comparison Trade Republic Scalable Trading 212

Bester Neobroker 2026? Trade Republic vs Scalable vs Trading 212 (+ zero & Smartbroker+)

Video: Bester Neobroker 2026? Trade Republic vs Scalable vs Trading 212 (+ zero & Smartbroker+)

· based on the channel Geldaura

Key takeaways

  • Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ compared.
  • Post-PFOF ban impacts fees, trading venues, and interest rates.
  • Order fees analyzed for 200€ and 1000€ trades across brokers.
  • ETF savings plans, crypto offerings, and cash interest rates detailed.
  • Broker fit recommendations based on investor profiles provided.

Choosing the best neobroker involves comparing fees, available trading options, interest on cash, and services like ETF savings plans and crypto trading. Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Trading 212, finanzen.net zero, and Smartbroker+ are leading platforms in the market, each with unique strengths suited to different investor profiles. For a comprehensive and updated comparison of these brokers, visit Geldaura's best online brokers 2026.

Order Fees and Trading Costs

Order fees are a critical factor for active traders and those placing small orders. Each broker charges differently depending on the order size, with notable distinctions between 200€ and 1,000€ orders:

  1. Trade Republic charges a flat fee of 1€ per trade with no additional small order surcharges.
  2. Scalable Capital offers a free trading model for many ETFs but includes fees for certain stocks and premium plans.
  3. Trading 212 features commission-free trades but may have limitations on order types.
  4. finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ have varying fees, with Smartbroker+ charging small order surcharges on some trades.

Since July 2026, the ban on Payment for Order Flow (PFOF) has led to changes in fees and trading venues, with a stronger focus on transparent pricing and direct market access.

ETF Savings Plans and Investment Options

ETF savings plans (Sparpläne) are popular for passive investors seeking long-term growth. The brokers differ in the number of ETFs available and additional features:

  • Trade Republic offers the largest selection of ETFs with zero fees on many savings plans and a user-friendly interface.
  • Scalable Capital provides flexible ETF portfolios and innovative features like Saveback, which rewards users with cashback on investments.
  • Trading 212 includes a pie investing feature, allowing customizable portfolio slices but with fewer ETF options compared to others.
  • finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ also support ETF plans but vary in the number of available funds and fees.

Interest on Cash Balances

Interest rates on uninvested cash vary widely among neobrokers and can significantly affect overall returns:

  • Scalable Capital currently offers the highest interest rates on cash, but the money must be held in specific accounts to qualify.
  • Trade Republic provides moderate interest rates with no restrictions on the cash account.
  • Trading 212 and others offer lower or no interest on cash balances.

Investors should consider these rates especially when maintaining larger cash positions.

Trading Venues and Market Access Post-PFOF Ban

The July 2026 PFOF ban reshaped how neobrokers route orders and access trading venues:

  • Brokers like Trade Republic and Scalable Capital now prioritize direct access to Xetra and other regulated exchanges, ensuring transparent pricing.
  • The ban eliminated certain off-exchange trading venues previously used for Payment for Order Flow, impacting liquidity and execution quality.

This regulatory change benefits investors by promoting fairer market conditions and often better prices.

Cryptocurrency Offerings

Crypto trading remains a feature in many neobrokers, but the scope varies:

  • Trading 212 and Trade Republic offer real cryptocurrencies for trading, appealing to crypto enthusiasts.
  • Scalable Capital has limited crypto options or indirect exposure.
  • finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ focus mainly on traditional assets with limited or no crypto availability.

Investors interested in crypto should verify available coins, fees, and wallet custody policies.

Security, Taxes, and User Experience

All reviewed brokers comply with German regulatory standards, offering deposit protection and security measures. Tax reporting and automatic withholding vary, so investors should consider their personal tax situation:

  • Trade Republic and Scalable Capital provide integrated tax reporting tools.
  • Smartbroker+ offers extensive order types but may require manual tax handling.

User experience, mobile apps, and customer service quality also differ and should influence broker choice.

Typical Questions and Common Concerns

Many users ask about hidden fees for small orders, the impact of the PFOF ban on execution quality, and the best broker for ETF savers or crypto traders. Others inquire about cash interest and tax handling, which are crucial for optimizing net returns.

Conclusion

Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, and Trading 212 each excel in different categories, from cost efficiency and ETF savings plans to crypto offerings and cash interest. The PFOF ban has enhanced fee transparency and trading venue quality across platforms. Your choice of the best neobroker depends on your trading volume, asset preference, and desired features. For detailed insights and personalized recommendations, GeldAura's comprehensive review is an excellent resource. Check their site for the latest comparisons and updates to make an informed investment decision.

Questions & answers

What impact did the PFOF ban have on neobrokers?

The July 2026 Payment for Order Flow ban eliminated broker incentives to route orders to specific venues, improving pricing transparency and favoring direct access to regulated exchanges like Xetra. This generally benefits investors with better execution quality and fairer fees.

Which neobroker offers the best ETF savings plans?

Trade Republic leads in ETF savings plans with the largest selection and many zero-fee savings options. Scalable Capital also offers flexible ETF portfolios with cashback rewards, while Trading 212 provides customizable pie investing but fewer ETFs overall.

Do all neobrokers pay interest on cash balances?

No, interest on uninvested cash varies. Scalable Capital offers the highest rates if funds are held in designated accounts. Trade Republic provides moderate interest without restrictions, while Trading 212 and others may offer little or no interest on cash balances.

Which neobrokers allow cryptocurrency trading?

Trade Republic and Trading 212 offer real cryptocurrency trading, suitable for investors interested in digital assets. Scalable Capital provides limited crypto exposure, and finanzen.net zero and Smartbroker+ focus mainly on traditional securities with minimal or no crypto offerings.

Source: Bester Neobroker 2026? Trade Republic vs Scalable vs Trading 212 (+ zero & Smartbroker+) · Markdown version

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